J.R. Smith
Dec 14, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) holds the ball as Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen (9) defends at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Cleveland 93-85. USA TODAY Sports / Nelson Chenault

J.R. Smith, the Cleveland Cavaliers' starting shooting guard, underwent surgery on his right thumb to repair a "complex fracture" this week and will miss approximately 14 weeks of action, the team announced on Friday.

Smith, who played a vital role in the Cavs' maiden NBA championship victory last June, suffered the thumb injury while swiping down on Milwauke Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo during the team's 114-108 overtime victory on Tuesday.

Upon initial diagnosis, several reports indicated that Smith wouldn't need surgery. But Smith was forced to undergo emergency surgery at the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center in Montrose, Ohio, on Thursday. According to Dr. Thomas Graham, Smith's surgeon, the veteran guard would need at least 12-14 weeks of rehabilitation before returning to the court.

In the past, several players have successfully returned from thumb injuries. However, Smith could find it a little more difficult since he's predominantly a shooter. Fourth year guard DeAndre Liggins has been starting in Smith's place over the last two games. However, the Cavs could also use either Iman Shumpert or Mike Dunleavy Jr. as the starting two-guard.

Cleveland Cavaliers will miss J.R. Smith, says Tyronn Lue

Tyronn Lue, coach of the Cavaliers, realises that Smith won't be easy to replace. "We're going to miss J.R., his effort on defence, his tough shot making. But it's no excuses for us. It's next man up, and we've got to be ready to play. We've got to do it by committee. I think our guys are ready to step up to the challenge," Lue said on Wednesday, via ESPN.

Smith, a 13-year veteran in the league, signed a four-year, US$57 million (US$79 million) contract extension to stay with the Cavaliers during the offseason. In all fairness, Smith hasn't lived up to his contract yet, averaging just 8.6 points on 33.7 percent shooting this season, the second-worst production of his career. This, just a year after Smith had arguably his best season as an NBA pro, shooting over 40 percent from three and playing lockdown defence on any given night.

Assuming that Smith is able to re-join the team in 14 weeks, the Cavaliers should have him back just in time for the postseason. The Cavs will play their final regular season game against the Toronto Raptors on April 12. The playoffs will get underway in mid-April.

Needless to say, the Cleveland Cavaliers need J.R. Smith to repeat as NBA champions.

RELATED STORIES